The Heart of the Matter

London: William Heinemann, 1948. First edition. Cloth. Good. 7.5" by 5". Not Stated. A first edition, first impression copy of this award-winning novel by Graham Greene. The personal copy of twentieth-century English socialite Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie. The first edition of this novel by Graham Greene, recounting of a man's crisis of duty, morals and faith. The story was drawn upon the author's experiences as a British intelligence officer in Freetown, British Sierra Leone. An immensely popular publication, selling over three hundred thousand copies upon its release in the UK. Winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1948, and ranked fortieth on the Modern Library's list of the 100 English-language novels of the 20th century.The personal copy of English socialite Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie, the youngest daughter of an Anglo-American lumber and steel millionaire. Audrey was also alleged to be the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII, although she was also rumoured to be his daughter, or the lover of King Edward VIII.  This copy came from the sale of her home, Julians Park, Herefordshire. Audrey bought Julians Park in 1940 following her third marriage to the Hon Peter Pleydell-Bouverie. Her circle of friends included Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel and Nancy Mitford. She was featured in Cecil Beaton's 'Book of Beauty' and was regarded as one of the Bright Young Things. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, significant fading to the spine, and minor shelf wear. Gift inscription to Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie to the front free-endpaper. A small faded stamp to the rear pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Slight discolouration to the top-edge, affecting the odd page, which are otherwise bright and clean. Good